Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original
springs and valving for 240lb rider
1980mcneil:
OK so it sounds like I’m on the right track. Get the correct springs because my ride is way too squishy right now. And then just freshen the rest up with new bushings and O-rings. Most of my writing is first and second gear ATV and single track. I do zero jumping and a cruise on forest service roads. Thanks a lot guys. I’m glad I didn’t dump a ton of money into it.
cwtoyota:
--- Quote from: 1980mcneil on June 21, 2020, 03:17:54 PM ---OK so it sounds like I’m on the right track. Get the correct springs because my ride is way too squishy right now. And then just freshen the rest up with new bushings and O-rings. Most of my writing is first and second gear ATV and single track. I do zero jumping and a cruise on forest service roads. Thanks a lot guys. I’m glad I didn’t dump a ton of money into it.
--- End quote ---
You will get a lot of improvement from the springs as Sandblaster pointed out.
You'll also get a lot of improvement from fresh oil if your suspension hasn't been serviced in a long time.
Suspension only lasts about 25 hours, but people never freshen it up until the seals are leaking.
The bike will feel bouncy with stock valving and stiffer springs.
You can compensate for that to an extent using the rebound adjustment clickers.
Using the stock clicker settings as a starting point, try running the clickers in about four clicks (clockwise) on the rebound (fork and shock).
1980mcneil:
Thanks for that info. Yes, I've only changed the shock oil once since I got the bike a few years ago. But also only road for 2-3hr sessions less than 15 times in these three years.
My front left shock started leaking. So I bought new "bushings" inner and outer, and new seals. While Im in there I will check out the orings.
I'll stick with the stock valving for now but I definitely figured I would be using some stiffer settings with the stiffer springs. If I click the settings all the way tight and is still feels springy, I will look into new valving.
I never did get a link from anyone on stronger valving, or where I could buy them (what part numbers they are)... Could somebody let me know please? Would I possibly need aftermarket or does partzilla carry a OEM "valve" that would be a step or two up? No MX or desert racer is 240ish pounds like myself, So I'm guessing there is no OEM valve. Where can I get one of these things, and what exactly is it called. I've done lots of searching this last week. No luck so far.
KXDINO:
If you want better valving get gold valves and you can fit them yourself , they give you the directions on paper how to do it , to easy. Ring a race tech dealer.
cwtoyota:
--- Quote from: KXDINO on June 25, 2020, 06:33:26 AM ---If you want better valving get gold valves and you can fit them yourself , they give you the directions on paper how to do it , to easy. Ring a race tech dealer.
--- End quote ---
Here's the 2000 KX500 on Race Tech's site. They list the Gold Valves on there with pricing.
Change the last four digits of the URL to your year KX.
https://racetech.com/ProductSearch/12/Kawasaki/KX500/2000
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